How often do we pause to reflect on moments of contentment, love, happiness, or joy? In the rush of daily life, it’s easy to overlook these feelings, letting them slip through our fingers as we move from one task to another. I know I haven’t always made time for that in my own life. More often than not, my mind has been preoccupied with worries, responsibilities, and self-criticism. It’s easy to dwell on sadness, loss, or anxiety - or even to feel regret over small, seemingly insignificant things, like eating that extra piece of cake or saying something we wish we hadn’t. Somehow, being hard on ourselves feels easier, doesn’t it? We often focus on what we could improve or change. While reflection can certainly help with that, what if we tried something different?

Let’s switch tactics.

Close your eyes and think about a time when you felt truly content, or filled with love or happiness. Maybe it was a quiet morning with a cup of coffee, the sun streaming through your window. Perhaps it was a heartfelt conversation with a friend, laughter bubbling between you. Or maybe it was a moment of stillness, standing by the ocean, feeling the waves wash over your feet. Try to bring that moment to life in your mind. Who was there? Where were you? What could you see, smell, or hear? Engage all of your senses as you recall the memory.

Now, gently set the memory aside and focus on the feeling of contentment in your body. What does it feel like - not as a thought, but as a sensation? This might take some practice. We often stay in our heads, thinking about emotions rather than truly feeling them in our bodies. Try to drop out of your thinking mind and notice where in your body you experience that sense of contentment. Is it a warmth in your chest? A lightness in your stomach? A sense of ease in your shoulders?

Once you’ve located the feeling, use your breath to nurture and expand it. As you inhale, imagine that feeling growing stronger, spreading gently through your body. As you exhale, release any tension or resistance, allowing yourself to settle into the sensation. With each breath, let the feeling deepen and expand. See if you can extend it to other parts of your body, letting one part teach the rest to experience that sensation.

Keep going until the feeling fills your whole body. Let it flow through you like a wave, washing over every muscle, every cell, every inch of your being. And as you breathe, allow yourself to fully experience that sense of contentment throughout your entire self.

This practice doesn’t have to take long. Just a few minutes each day can help you reconnect with the feeling of contentment or joy in your body. Over time, it can become a powerful resource, grounding you in the present moment and helping you navigate life with greater ease and presence.

So why not make this a daily habit? Take a moment to pause, breathe, and feel. The more you practice, the easier it will be to access this sense of well-being whenever you need it. And if you’d like to explore more practices like this, feel free to reach out - I’d love to guide you on your journey to deeper connection and well-being.